FIVE THINGS TO WATCH TODAY

As you might've heard, Super Bowl XLVII marks the final game in the long, storied, controversial, Hall of Fame-worthy career of Ravens inside linebacker Ray Lewis. He'll dance, he'll inspire, but will he make the plays needed to help Baltimore win? Whether it's his injured right triceps or simply Father Time, Lewis isn't the player he used to be. (Pro Football Focus' rankings are not kind to the 17-year vet.) Does he have one final, dynamic 60-minute effort left?

2. A LEG UP

Two actually. One of the biggest, most obvious differences between Colin Kaepernick and Alex Smith is Kaepernick's running ability. Whether by design or by necessity, Kaepernick is a significant threat not only to escape the pocket but to make a big play. He destroyed Green Bay in the divisional round with a playoff-record 181 rushing yards, including a 56-yard touchdown. Atlanta contained Kaepernick (2 carries, 21 yards), and that'll be Baltimore's objective as well. But it's easier said than done.

3. FLACCO TIME?

The question isn't whether this is Joe Flacco's time but whether he'll HAVE time. We know Flacco throws one of the most deadly deep balls in the league. (On passes thrown 20 or more yards downfield, he has a 15-0 touchdown-to-interception ratio.) We know the 49ers are vulnerable on the back end (396 yards allowed to Matt Ryan). But for Flacco and his receivers to capitalize on that, the quarterback must be protected. That battle up front bears watching.

4. DAVIS AND DELANIE

If you're looking for the Xs-and-Os X-factor in the Super Bowl, look no further than San Francisco's fast, athletic tight ends. Vernon Davis possesses a rare combination of size and speed, and Delanie Walker averages 16.6 yards per reception (including playoffs). The Falcons did a terrible job against Davis (5 catches, 106 yards, 1 TD), who hadn't been one of Kaepernick's primary targets. He's certain to look Davis' way if matched up vs. Lewis or fellow ILB Dannell Ellerbe, who are susceptible against the pass.

5. FINISHING KICK

Seven of the past 11 Super Bowls have been decided by six or fewer points. With a 4-point spread, this one isn't expected to be any different. So every kick will count. Ravens rookie Justin Tucker has been clutch all season long, making 32 of 35 field-goal attempts, including the 47-yard winner in double overtime in the divisional round at Denver. The 49ers' David Akers, meanwhile, is coming off his worst season, having missed 14 of 44 attempts. Can he be counted on with the Super Bowl on the line?

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